Normal mitochondrial structure and genome maintenance in yeast requires the dynamin-like product of the MGM1 gene

Abstract

The isolation and characterization of MGM1 , and yeast gene with homology to members of the dynamin gene family, is described. The MGM1 gene is located on the right arm of chromosome XV between STE4 and PTP2 . Sequence analysis revealed a single open reading frame of 902 residues capable of encoding a protein with an approximate molecular mass of 101 kDa. Loss of MGM1 resulted in slow growth on rich medium, failure to grow on non-fermentable carbon sources, and loss of mitochondrial DNA. The mitochondria also appeared abnormal when visualized with an antibody to a mitochondrial-matrix marker. MGM1 encodes a dynamin-like protein involved in the propagation of functional mitochondria in yeast.